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Carr Hill High School & Sixth Form Centre is a popular and expanding mixed comprehensive school for 11 to 18 year olds with approximately 1300 students on roll. Designated by the DfES as a Specialist Engineering College in September 2003, Carr Hill is located close to the centre of Kirkham.
Since admitting its first comprehensive intake in 1977 The school has developed a good academic record and each year a large number of students leave the sixth form to enter University (including Oxford and Cambridge) and other higher education establishments.
A capital assets development programme has led to major refurbishment and new building in recent years. Teaching and learning resources include ten fully equipped Science laboratories, a new Technology and Engineering suite, including workshops, computer aided design room and a systems engineering laboratory; a dedicated Information and Communication Technology block, and a recently built Learning Resource Centre, together with additional classrooms. A new purpose-built Sixth Form block and school dining facilities will be completed for September 2009.
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Students entering Carr Hill in Year 7 are placed in teaching groups according to ability. All students follow a broad and balanced programme of study comprising the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science plus the seven foundation subjects of History, Geography, a Modern Language (French), Art, Music, Design Technology, ICT, Physical Education together with Religious Education, Drama and Personal and Social Education.
This curriculum pattern is followed throughout the first three years with one variation - the more able linguists have the opportunity of pursuing a second language during Years 8 and 9 (Spanish or German). An early start to GCSE study is made in the Spring Term of Year 9 when most subjects begin teaching their GCSE syllabus. Early entry for modules, coursework submission or controlled assessments is a new and developing feature of the curriculum.
The programme of study for Year 10 and 11 students comprises the extended core of the National Curriculum and includes Mathematics, English, Science, ICT., a Technology subject and two optional subjects as well as P.E., R.E., Personal and Social Education. A range of vocational subjects are available including Engineering, Construction, Hair, Beauty and Motor Vehicle Engineering. Some of these courses are delivered in partnership with our local FE college in Preston. All courses lead to external validation via the G.C.S.E., BTEC or N.V.Q. Additionally, students participate in a two-week work experience placement.
The school is particularly proud of its Post 16 (Sixth Form) Centre. The school is committed to providing opportunities for the widest range of abilities and interests at Post 16 level and staff are experienced in preparing students for higher education as well as entry to the professions. Carr Hill has developed well-established links with admission tutors in universities and colleges. Apart from academic work emphasis is also placed on the general and personal development of the students.
There is close liaison between the school and its contributory schools. The Head of Year 7 visits each primary school regularly. Towards the end of the summer term students intending to enter Carr Hill in the following September visit the school to be shown around and to meet with their new teaching staff.
Students pursue aspirational targets for achievement. Progress towards these targets is monitored and reviewed on a termly basis. Three written reports are sent home each year and a Parents' Evening follows the issue of one of these reports. All students leaving Carr Hill at 16, 17 or 18 years of age are issued with a Record of Achievement.
Homework is set throughout the school, the amount varying according to the age and ability of the student. All students are issued with a Planner in which to record homework and parents are requested to check and sign the Planner each week.
Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra curricular activities including sport, music (the school has an excellent band and an expanding choir and orchestra), Drama, field trips and residential excursions. There is a tradition of charity fund-raising and service to the community which includes work in primary schools, at local hospitals, with senior citizens and with a local school for those with severe and profound learning difficulties.
The school’s work-related curriculum provides opportunities for all students to participate in annual industry days, work experience, and careers fayres and conventions.
Teaching staff welcome the opportunity of meeting parents and the school has an "open door" policy. A very active and supportive Friends' Association exists and of which all staff and parents are automatically members.
The school works in partnership with a number of local junior schools in providing extended services to the wider community.
The school experienced significant challenges between 2005 and 2008 with the serious illness of the Head teacher and prolonged health-related absences of both Deputies. This is an excellent time to join a rapidly improving school as it begins its journey towards being outstanding in every respect. Although the school achieved 60% 5A*-C excluding Maths and English, it achieved only 42% including those subjects in 2008. As a result the school is currently working with Ofsted under a Notice to Improve. In January 2009 a new Head teacher took up post and we have been able to build on the excellent work done by the Interim Head teacher. Significant progress has been made in a very short time. After completing 2 out of 3 modules, for example, 80% of Year 11 are achieving at Grade C or above in Maths; while the English department are expecting results in the region of 60% at C or above, following the November entry of 4 sets. Carr Hill staff are ambitious for themselves and the school, hardworking, adaptable, welcoming and supportive of each other. The Head and Governors place an emphasis on good conduct in order to create an ethos which is caring, self disciplined and conducive to the academic progress and personal development of all students.
The quality of the school's work has also been recognised by the award of:
- The Investors in People kite mark (1996 - present).
- The School Curriculum Award (presented by HRH the Princess Royal on the 30th April, 1997 at the Barbican Centre, London) and subsequently in 2000 and 2002.
- The “Sports mark” awarded jointly by the Department of Media, Culture and Sports and the Sports Council (1997, 2000, 2003, 2006).
- DfEE Truancy Buster Award (February 2001).
- DfEE School Achievement Award (March 2001 and March 2002).
- Affiliated to the Technology College Trust (2002).
- Listed as an “outstanding” school in HMCI’s report (2002).
- Designated as a Specialist Engineering College (2003). Redesignated Autumn 2006.
- Awarded “Arts Mark” by Arts Council (2004). Artsmark Silver 2007.
- Awarded Basic Skills Quality Mark (2004).
- National Healthy Schools Standard (2007).
- Financial Management Standard in School (FMSiS) (2008).
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